Wholesale Apparel Pricing Tiers Explained
By The Velocity Wear Team
Wholesale apparel pricing works in tiers: the more units you order, the lower the cost per piece — but setup charges, decoration method and minimum order quantities all affect the final number you see on a quote.
What Is a Price Tier?
A price tier is a quantity band that triggers a lower unit cost. A typical schedule might show one price for 20–49 pieces, a lower price for 50–99, and a further reduction from 100 upward. At Velocity Wear, bulk discounts can reach around 40% compared with the entry-level band, so scaling your order is the single most effective way to cut cost per unit.
Setup Costs and How They Are Charged
Every decoration method carries a one-time or per-order setup cost that is separate from the unit price.
- Screen printing: a screen must be burned for each colour in your design. Expect a screen charge per colour, typically £15–£35 each. This cost is fixed regardless of quantity, so it dilutes fast over large runs.
- Embroidery: your artwork is converted into a stitch file (digitising fee, usually a one-off cost). Subsequent reorders using the same file incur no digitising charge.
- DTF (direct-to-film) and sublimation: these are digital processes with minimal setup, making them cost-effective for lower quantities or full-colour photographic artwork.
MOQ Per Design vs MOQ Per Order
Some suppliers set an MOQ per individual design; others set it per total order. At Velocity Wear the minimum is 20 pieces per order, and you can mix sizes within that run. If you need two colourways, each colourway may attract its own setup fee, but you are not required to hit 20 pieces per colourway — the order total counts.
How to Read a Quote Line by Line
- 1Unit cost at your quantity band — confirm which tier applies to your order size.
- 2Setup or screen charges — these are one-off and should be listed separately.
- 3Decoration placement fees — a chest logo and a back print are usually costed as two separate placements.
- 4Blank garment cost — some quotes bundle this in; others show it separately.
- 5Delivery — check whether tracked shipping to your destination (UK, USA, Europe or worldwide) is included or added at checkout.
The True Cost Per Unit
To find your real cost per unit, add all one-time fees to the total unit cost and divide by quantity. On a 20-piece run with £60 in screen charges and a £5 unit cost, your true cost is £8 per piece. On a 200-piece run with the same screens and a £3.20 unit cost, it drops below £3.50. This is why scaling saves money even before the tier discount kicks in.
“"Understanding your quote before you place the order is how brands protect their margins — every line item has a reason, and a good supplier will explain each one clearly."”
Using the Velocity Wear Price Calculator
Rather than waiting for a manual quote, Velocity Wear’s free instant price calculator lets you select garment, decoration method and quantity to see live tier pricing. The tool shows how your cost per unit falls as quantity rises, making it easy to decide whether upgrading from 50 to 100 pieces makes financial sense before you commit.
When to Negotiate Pricing
Price tiers are published, but there is often room to discuss if you are placing a large multi-style order, committing to a repeat schedule or ordering across multiple decoration methods. Consolidating your screen-print and embroidery requirements with one supplier can unlock better overall rates and simplify logistics.
Ready to see exactly what your order will cost? Use Velocity Wear’s free price calculator for an instant quote, or get in touch for a bespoke breakdown. We supply from a 20-piece MOQ with bulk discounts up to 40% and tracked delivery to the UK, USA, Europe and worldwide.